Swings for Scholars

The Orioles will announce a new scholarship program tonight at Camden Yards called “Swings for Scholars”.

The organization is partnering with Legg Mason Global Asset Management to launch the scholarship program designed to provide full community college scholarships to qualified grads of Baltimore City Schools.

Each time O’s outfielder Nick Markakis gets a hit during the 2010 season, Legg Mason Charitable Foundation Inc. will make a $200 contribution to the Swings for Scholars fund.

“We believe ‘Swings for Scholars’ will be a fun way for all of us to cheer on a hometown favorite as he connects at home plate to benefit some deserving local students,” Legg Mason Chairman and CEO Mark Fetting said.

So if you needed another reason to root for the O’s right-fielder, just remember that a hit from Nick will be helping local students continue their education beyond high school.